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OR VIEW ALL PROJECTSOR GO BACK TO SEARCH RESULTSOR VIEW ALLPROJECTS BY ARCHITECT LRY ARCHITECTSHOUSE PROJECTS2003 PROJECTSPROJECTS IN SYDNEYPROJECTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRETT BOARDMAN |
SWITCH ON YOUR TELEVISION OF AN EVENING and you are likely to find a do-it-yourself program showing an effortless home renovation. The implication here is that the project can be undertaken by anyone, so the involvement of professionals is downplayed. An absurdly short time frame adds dramatic spice - and we find ourselves biting our nails wondering if the work crew will finish before the owners return from dinner. With years of professional design experience between them, architects Natalie Lane-Rose and Howard Young had a far more realistic idea of time and budget when it came to designing and building an extension to their own home. Both are quick to admit, however, that the experience has changed their approach to architecture forever.
On the surface, this extension in inner Sydney's Rozelle is typical of projects that grapple with the problem of converting a traditional narrow terrace into a contemporary living and working space. With adjoining properties on both sides, the problem is always a matter of arranging spaces to make most use of the limited opportunities for light and air. As architects, Natalie and Howard started with an obvious professional advantage - and they were careful to select the right property from the outset. This particular Victorian terrace was appealing because of its orientation, and surrounding context. "We knew exactly what our overall strategy for the extension would be before we even bought the house," Natalie explains.
The house was one of five attached single-storey workers cottages. "It was cold and damp with low light penetration," recalls Howard. c;.onvoluted planning in the tiny terrace created awkward spaces with little natural light, let alone a connection with the garden. The north-facing orientation to the garden ensured that this could be overcome.
A well-considered, respectful design - and the good fortune of having great neighbours - helped the development application sail through the approval process with few hitches. Keeping the new section of the house distinct from
the older front both assisted in gaining favour with council and retains a
memory of the original house. A cleverly designed glazed link between the two is a key move. Not only does it mark the end of the old and the start of the new, it also brings light into the centre of the house and gives the interior a sense of spaciousness. No easy feat in such a small home.
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